Tesamorelin

Tesamorelin is a synthetic 44-amino acid analog of growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH) approved by the FDA in 2010 under the brand name Egrifta for reducing excess abdominal fat in adults with HIV-associated lipodystrophy.

It works by binding to pituitary receptors to stimulate the pulsatile release of endogenous growth hormone and IGF-1, which preferentially targets visceral adipose tissue while preserving lean muscle mass.

Mechanism and Administration

• Mode of Action: Unlike exogenous HGH, tesamorelin maintains the body’s natural feedback loops, triggering physiologic GH pulses that enhance fatty acid oxidation and reduce visceral fat accumulation.
• Dosage: The standard FDA-approved dose is 2 mg daily administered via subcutaneous injection, typically in the abdominal area, for a minimum of 12 to 26 weeks.
• Off-Label Use: It is frequently prescribed off-label for general visceral fat reduction, body composition improvement, and anti-aging purposes, with some protocols using lower doses (e.g., 1 mg daily) for metabolic or recovery benefits.